Charlotte deputy's son dies after being run over

Ethan Estrada, 7, was killed when a van backed over him in a Port Charlotte driveway.

STAFF REPORT

A 7-year-old boy was killed Tuesday evening after he was run over by a van backing down the driveway of a Port Charlotte home, authorities said.

Ethan V. Estrada was pronounced dead after being transported to Peace River Regional Medical Center following the accident on Ackerman Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The incident unfolded around 5:15 p.m., with Ethan in the driveway as a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, driven by Terrence Hunter, 62, of Ontario, Canada, began slowly backing out of a garage, FHP troopers reported. As Hunter backed the van down the curving driveway, the left-front tire hit and rolled over the boy.

Ethan was the son of Charlotte County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Estrada and his wife, Melissa.

“Our family has suffered a tragic loss," Kevin Estrada said in a statement. "We ask that everyone please respect our privacy during our time of grief.”

In a statement, Sheriff Bill Prummell said: “No parent should have to endure the loss of a child. Our condolences go out to Kevin and Melissa. Their loss is a loss to our entire Sheriff's Office family.”